There’s something deeply healing about a bowl of warm congee — and this Instant Pot Chicken Congee is one of my go-to comfort meals when life calls for simplicity and nourishment. Whether it’s a chilly morning, a long day, or just one of those times when you crave something soothing, this dish delivers gentle flavor, cozy texture, and heartfelt warmth all in one bowl.
In my kitchen, Instant Pot Chicken Congee is more than just a quick recipe — it’s a staple. It takes only 30 minutes in the pressure cooker, yet the end result tastes like it’s been simmering for hours. Made with basic pantry ingredients like rice, ginger, and chicken, it turns into a silky porridge that feels like home.
Growing up, congee (or jook, as it's lovingly known in many Cantonese homes) was the meal my family made when we needed something soft, nourishing, and easy on the stomach. Now I make this Instant Pot Chicken Congee for breakfast, lazy dinners, or whenever someone’s feeling a little under the weather. It's gentle, protein-rich, and endlessly customizable — I love topping mine with scallions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a soft-boiled egg for extra comfort.
If you’re new to congee or looking for a reliable version to keep in your rotation, this Instant Pot Chicken Congee is the one I recommend over and over again. It’s not just a recipe — it’s a hug in a bowl.
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Chicken Congee
One of the things I love most about Instant Pot Chicken Congee is how effortlessly it comes together — no more standing over the stove for hours like the traditional method. With the Instant Pot, you still get all that deep, slow-cooked flavor in a fraction of the time. The pressure cooking breaks down the rice perfectly, blending it with tender chicken and ginger to create that luxuriously smooth, creamy texture that feels like comfort in every spoonful.
I often make this Instant Pot Chicken Congee on nights when I’m short on time but still want to put something warm and nourishing on the table. It’s been a lifesaver after long workdays, and honestly, I leaned on it a lot during my postpartum recovery. It’s gentle, soothing, and packed with goodness — just what your body needs when it craves rest and restoration.
What makes Instant Pot Chicken Congee even more special is how flexible it is. Sometimes I keep it super simple, and other days I load it up with toppings like soft-boiled eggs, scallions, chili oil, or even crispy garlic if I’m feeling fancy. It’s a meal that listens to your mood, and I truly believe every home cook should have it in their back pocket.
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Ingredients
For the base congee:
- Jasmine rice (rinsed well)
- Chicken broth (or 6 cups broth + 2 cups water for a lighter flavor)
- Bone-in chicken thighs (or 2 chicken breasts)
- Piece fresh ginger, sliced
- Garlic cloves, smashed
- Salt (adjust to taste)
- White pepper
For serving/toppings (choose your favorites):
- Finely chopped scallions/green onions
- Soft-boiled eggs (or century eggs for authentic flavor)
- Soy sauce to taste
- Sesame oil (just a few drops)
- Crispy fried shallots or garlic
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Finely julienned ginger
- White pepper to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Load Your Instant Pot
- Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps create the perfect congee texture.
- Slice your ginger into thin coins (no need to peel if it's fresh and clean).
- Smash the garlic cloves with the flat side of your knife to release their flavor.
- If using bone-in chicken, trim any excess fat if desired.
- Add the rinsed rice, chicken broth, bone-in chicken thighs, sliced ginger, smashed garlic, salt, and white pepper to your Instant Pot.
- Give everything a quick stir to make sure no rice is sticking to the bottom.
Step 2: Pressure Cook the Congee
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to "Sealing" position.
- Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" function and set to high pressure for 20 minutes.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a 10-minute natural pressure release.
- After 10 minutes, carefully turn the valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Finish the Congee
- Open the lid away from your face (careful of the steam!).
- Remove the chicken pieces with tongs and transfer to a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The meat should be very tender and pull apart easily.
- Remove and discard the ginger slices and garlic cloves.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well.
- The congee might look thin at first, but it will continue to thicken as it cools. If it's too thick, add a splash of water or broth. If it's too thin, simmer on the "Sauté" function for a few minutes to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish Your Instant Pot Chicken Congee
- Ladle the hot congee into bowls.
- Let everyone customize their bowl with their choice of toppings.
- Traditional additions include a drizzle of soy sauce, a few drops of sesame oil, plenty of scallions, and a sprinkle of white pepper.
- For a heartier meal, add a soft-boiled egg or preserved century egg.
- Step 1: Rinse and Prep the Jasmine Rice
Thoroughly rinse the jasmine rice to remove excess starch and prep for cooking.
- Step 2: Pressure Cook the Congee
Set your Instant Pot to pressure cook the congee for 20 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir and Adjust the Congee
After cooking, stir the congee gently to thicken and blend flavors.
- Step 4: Serve and Garnish Your Instant Pot Chicken Congee
Ladle into bowls and let everyone add their favorite toppings.
Kitchen Equipment
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Tongs (for removing chicken)
- Two forks (for shredding chicken)
- Ladle for serving
Variations and Substitutions
Rotisserie Chicken Congee
Short on time? Use 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. Add it after the congee has finished cooking for a super quick meal.
Vegetarian Congee
Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and skip the chicken. Add extra mushrooms (shiitake work wonderfully) and drizzle with a little extra sesame oil before serving.
Brown Rice Congee
Substitute brown rice for a healthier twist. You'll need to increase the cooking time to 25 minutes and possibly add an extra cup of liquid.
Toddler-Friendly Congee
Make a milder version by using half water, half low-sodium broth. Skip the white pepper and serve with a simple sprinkle of shredded chicken and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Postpartum Recovery Congee
Add nutrient-dense ingredients like goji berries, a small piece of astragalus root (available at Asian markets), and an extra thumb of ginger for a traditional postpartum healing meal.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Congee will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It will thicken substantially when chilled, so you'll need to add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Freezer Storage
This Instant Pot Chicken Congee freezes beautifully! Portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips for Instant Pot Chicken Congee
Reheat congee in a saucepan over medium-low heat, adding extra liquid as needed to reach your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
Health Benefits of Instant Pot Chicken Congee
Instant Pot Chicken Congee isn't just delicious—it's nourishing in so many ways:
- It's gentle on the digestive system, making it perfect for upset stomachs or recovery meals
- The protein from chicken helps support healing and muscle maintenance
- The ginger and garlic provide immune-boosting properties
- It's hydrating due to its high liquid content
- The simple carbohydrates from rice provide easy energy
- It's a traditional healing food in many Asian cultures, often served during illness or recovery
This is why congee is frequently recommended for cold and flu season, postpartum recovery, and post-surgery nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken congee is a meal in itself, but here are some simple sides that pair well with it:
- A small plate of stir-fried Chinese greens like bok choy or gai lan
- Quick pickled vegetables for a bright contrast
- A simple clear soup like egg drop soup
- Fresh fruit for dessert
For breakfast, Instant Pot Chicken Congee is traditionally served with you tiao (Chinese fried dough sticks) for dipping.
The Secret That Changed My Instant Pot Chicken Congee Forever
When I first started making Instant Pot Chicken Congee, I was focused on speed — just toss everything in and let the pressure cooker do its thing. But it wasn’t until a quiet morning when my grandmother visited that everything changed. She watched me prep the rice, and with a gentle smile, said, “Don’t skip rinsing — the rice needs to breathe.” That one moment unlocked the heart of this dish for me. I rinsed the rice thoroughly, and suddenly the texture was different — silkier, cleaner, and more comforting than ever.
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few more secrets that made my Instant Pot Chicken Congee not just faster, but truly soul-soothing. For a more luxurious texture, I now stir the cooked congee vigorously with a wooden spoon, just like my grandmother used to with her slow-simmered version. And when I want a heartier bowl, I reduce the liquid slightly or simmer it a little longer on "Sauté" mode.
Bone-in chicken always gives the broth more depth, but in a pinch, boneless still brings comfort. And the best part? This congee adapts to your day — make it thick or thin, light or rich, simple or loaded with toppings. Every bowl tells a story, and I hope this one becomes a part of yours, just like it did mine.
FAQ
How long does congee take to cook in an Instant Pot?
Congee takes about 30 minutes in the Instant Pot, plus time to build and release pressure. It’s much faster than the traditional stovetop method, which can take hours! The result is a creamy, comforting rice porridge that tastes like it simmered all day — perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you need a warm, nourishing meal.
What is the secret to great congee?
The secret to amazing congee is rinsing the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and stirring it vigorously after it’s done to create that signature silky texture. Using bone-in chicken adds depth to the flavor, and adjusting the consistency with extra broth helps tailor each bowl to your perfect level of creaminess and comfort.
How long does chicken take to cook in congee?
In the Instant Pot, chicken cooks in the same 30-minute cycle as the congee. The pressure cooking process gently breaks down the chicken until it's fall-apart tender and infused with flavor. For best results, use bone-in thighs or breasts, which create a rich, savory broth as they cook with the rice and aromatics.
Why does my Instant Pot chicken come out rubbery?
Rubbery chicken often means it’s undercooked or cooked too quickly at high pressure. Using the right timing and natural pressure release is key. In congee, bone-in chicken benefits from the longer cooking cycle and slow release, which tenderizes it perfectly. Always allow the pressure to release naturally for soft, juicy chicken in your congee.
Why Instant Pot Chicken Congee Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Rotation
There’s something magical about a recipe that feels like a warm hug — and Instant Pot Chicken Congee is exactly that. It’s the kind of dish that meets you where you are: whether you're nursing a cold, feeding your family, or winding down after a long day. What makes it even better? You likely have everything you need already sitting in your pantry — just a little rice, chicken, ginger, and the love that comes from making something nourishing and real.
If you love cozy meals that are easy and wholesome, I think you’ll also enjoy my creamy and satisfying Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup — it’s another hug-in-a-bowl kind of recipe. And if you’re curious about using your pressure cooker in creative ways, don’t miss my guide on making your own Instant Pot Yogurt — it’s simpler than you think and so worth it.
Let this Instant Pot Chicken Congee recipe be your go-to for comfort food that’s healing, versatile, and deeply satisfying. I’d love to hear how you top your bowl — soft-boiled eggs? A splash of sesame oil? Drop a comment below and let’s swap congee secrets!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Instant Pot Chicken Congee recipe:
Instant Pot Chicken Congee Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot 6-quart or larger
- Fine-mesh strainer For rinsing rice
- Wooden Spoon For stirring
- 2 Forks For shredding chicken
- Cutting board & knife For ginger and garlic
- Ladle For serving
- Tongs For removing chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice rinsed thoroughly
- 8 cups chicken broth or 6 cups broth + 2 cups water
- 1 lb chicken thighs bone-in preferred
- 2 inch fresh ginger sliced into coins
- 3 cloves garlic smashed
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper optional
Optional toppings
- scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, soft-boiled eggs, preserved egg, crispy shallots, cilantro, extra ginger
Instructions
- Rinse rice until water runs clear using a fine mesh strainer.
- Add rice, chicken, ginger, garlic, salt, white pepper, and broth to the Instant Pot.
- Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
- Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
- Remove chicken with tongs, shred with forks, and return to the pot.
- Stir well, adjust consistency with extra broth if needed, and season to taste.
- Serve hot with desired toppings such as scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
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